Sold!

From Thompson to Thomson - Pindar Open 60 finds a new owner

Today marked a new chapter in Team Pindar’s rich 29-year sailing history as the team bid farewell to its IMOCA Open 60 and in return took charge of a second Volvo 60, for a new venture in the Middle East. The Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed Pindar IMOCA Open 60 has been sold to Alex Thomson Racing, who plan to extend their IMOCA Circuit campaign, including the Barcelona Round the World Race next year and ultimately the next edition of the Vendée Globe in 2012/13.

Team Pindar is now focused on a new sailing programme and in the next few weeks will ship both Volvo 60s out to the Middle East, to embark on a corporate hospitality, team-building and boat charter initiative. Based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the boats will provide a platform for bespoke marketing opportunities at key locations throughout the Gulf and will be managed by Team Director, Nick Crabtree, who has developed extensive contacts in the region.

Chairman of the Pindar Group, Andrew Pindar OBE commented: “It is with mixed feelings that we are selling the Open 60. It has been an amazing journey and we are sad to see her go, but equally delighted she is going to a skipper (Alex) and team who will maximise her true potential. The opportunities in The Middle East offer a new direction for Team Pindar and sit well alongside our activity with Ian Williams on the World Match Racing Tour.”

Hugo Boss skipper, Alex Thomson commented: “The Pindar Open 60 has established a reputation as one of the most powerful boats in the class and we’re delighted to have reached an agreement with Andrew and team on the sale. I am very excited to start sailing on her and to see what she and I are capable of over the next three years. ”

The boat was constructed at TP Cookson’s yard in New Zealand, and launched in 2007. The boat is designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, otherwise known as ‘Juan K’, who designed the two ABN AMRO Volvo 70s and most recently the winning Volvo Ocean Race boat, Ericsson 4. “I have wanted to work alongside Juan for some time now, and this is a great opportunity to do that over the next three years,“ continued Thomson.

The Pindar IMOCA 60, which conforms to the new IMOCA regulations, is the most powerful in the IMOCA fleet. “I believe that power equals speed, and so it makes sense to buy the most powerful boat in the fleet," said Thomson. "I believe that it will really suit my sailing style and that the true potential for this boat has yet to be achieved. I think I can push the boat to the limits that it was designed for. I am very excited to start sailing on her, and see what she and I are capable of over the next three years. The Barcelona World Race will be our first major race together and I will be hoping to go one better than last time!” The latest rules changes within the IMOCA class means that a boat of this power will not be able to be built again in the future.

Following their purchase of Pindar, Alex Thomson Racing now have their current IMOCA 60 Hugo Boss available for purchase. Alex will compete onboard the present Hugo Boss in the final IMOCA race of this year, the Transat Jacques Vabre this November.

“Hugo Boss is the third most powerful boat within the IMOCA class. It has the potential to win races, and I truly believe it could have won the last Vendée Globe, and will be a serious contender for the next Vendee Globe! Hugo Boss is ready to start the Vendee Globe today and it will be very sad to move on, but I will enjoy the final race onboard the boat in the Transat Jacques Vabre this November,” said Hugo Boss skipper Alex Thomson.